2014 Innovator of the Future Competition Heading to Space

Mastercam and Optimax, builders of the optics behind the latest technologies in aerospace, are teaming up this year to challenge
students to design and machine a part associated with the NASA Curiosity Rover.

Q1.Why it is important for mechanical students to know about fundamentals of CNC programming applications?

Unlike CAD, understanding CAM is Critical and Challenging. Cad is more widely used on virtual platform (Computers). Whereas CAM is more about converting the CAD model into reality, where u need to understand the behaviour of CNC machines and have a good knowledge of cutting tools. Any small error can result in collision of machine, breakage of tools, Job Wastage, Human accidents.

Q2. What is expected from a Fresher in an Industry with respect to CAD/ CAM?

The biggest expectation from a fresher in a CAD/CAM industry is that they are expected to have the basic knowledge on design concept fundamentals and CAM Fundamentals. Good knowledge on any CAD/CAM software tools is appreciable. A certification directly from CADCAM software developing companies will be an added advantage.

“CAD/CAM” has become a single catchall phrase for two very different processes; modeling and machining a part. Industries are looking for candidates who have knowledge on CAD & CAM, as the powerful integrated CAM software available in today’s CAD users.

Q3. Are Students ready for 5-Axis Machining?

Two decades back Industries where reluctant to move from manual programming to CNC programming and today most of the companies to stay ahead in competition moved from traditional method to conventional machining technique with the help of CAD/CAM technology. Gone are the days of manual programming and investment in the latest technology is a requirement to stay on the top and compete effectively.

Machinists think they don’t have 5-axis work. In reality every workshop has work that would benefit from a 5-axis machine, because a 5-axis machining center facilitates 5-sided machining. So, even if you don’t have simultaneous 5-axis work, such as impellers or turbines, the parts you are producing on your 3-axis machines will be more profitable when you use 5-sided machining on a 5-axis machining center.

1.Internship or Implant Training with industries is very important (What you learned and what you did during Internship or Implant training matters a lot.)
2.Choose your area of interest and develop your skills according to that. (for example: If you have interest in CAD/CAM try to understand how it is used in Industries and take your final year project or mini project with respect to CAD/CAM)
3.Develop your network with Industry people. LinkedIn is a excellent social media platform where you can find your alumni and get their suggestion respect to your projects or about the current industry trends which might offer you a job. you can also join in groups related to your area of interest and get experts suggestion.
4.Take up some certification which is recognized in Industry. (eg: Boiler and Pressure Vessel certification or CAD certifications like CSWP – Certified SolidWorks Professional). These certifications will add value to your resume and you have reasons to stand out of crowd in today’s competitive job market
5. Do your home work before the interview (go through the companies website, under stand the job responsibilities, Prepare your self with basic interview questions) and last but not least your communication skills makes the difference

SIMTEK Authorised Dealer for Mastercam software in India is proud to announce the Innovator of Future Competition for young Engineering Students across the World.

Mastercam and Optimax, builders of the optics behind the latest technologies in aerospace, have teamed up to challenge young engineers to design and machine a part associated with the NASA Curiosity Rover.

Competition restrictions/guidelines:
Entrants must be between the ages of 16 and 25 years old and have access to a machine shop to cut their entry part.

An expenses-paid trip for the winner and a guest to the Kennedy Space Center.

This year’s competition challenges students and young adults to design and machine a mirror from the Rover.There are a couple options for designing this mirror:The mirror can be machined it as-is, and be creative on the underside (add a logo, a picture, etc.).The mirror design can be modified with a goal of making it lighter, but still retain its structure and use.

The part will be judged by a team of experts at Optimax. If you know a student or young adult, encourage them to enter the 2014 IOF competition. Here’s a little video teaser that explains more:

“I choose to learn from the best” was the answer from a Mechanical Engineering student when asked a question; “on what basis do you choose a 3D CAD Software for training” who is Aspirant for Design. After a research in social networking sites like Facebook, LinkedIn , he found that SolidWorks is the best user friendly 3D CAD software which has inbuilt user friendly analysis tools when compared to other CAD software’s and interpreted that learning SolidWorks 3D CAD from an Authorized training center helps in excelling career. He emphasized that the benefits of learning SolidWorks 3D CAD with Authorized training center like SIMTEK helps in learning the design concept rather than focusing on the software tools.

He also exclaimed that they use SolidWorks software in their College as they had “3D Modeling” as a part of their Engineering curriculum in the 3rd year. He also highlighted that the training program offered by SIMTEK provides great opportunity in upgrading his CAD knowledge. SIMTEK gives exposure to work on real time projects and he also spelled out his experience working on the real time project with “Ghatge Patil Industries Ltd“industries in designing core shop plant layout & sand dryer M/C. He justified that this increases the confidence level of an individual. He also helped his faculty in completing his ME project in designing Single point cutting tool & did a Thermal stress analysis. He was delighted in sharing this experience.

“The Training Program from SIMTEK has given me a great opportunity to start my career in Design. SIMTEK Training Program doesn’t end up with classroom, moving beyond the Industrial visit and exposure to real time design project helped me in understanding the Industry expectation with respective to design domain. Hope through SIMTEK guidance my dream to be a design Engineer come true”.